Methods and apparatus that facilitate controlling multiple devices

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for controlling a home alarm and supporting various control functions including STB recording functions are described. In some embodiments, e.g., where the STB is a DOCSIS capable device, communications between the control panel and STB is through a gateway and/or server which allow the IP based control panel to interact with the STB via a communications network and other devices located external to the customer premise where the control panel is located. In embodiments where the STB supports IP capability, communication between the control panel and STB is via a home network. In some embodiments upon selecting an alarm activation option a user is provided an opportunity to select at least one of: recordings, which are scheduled for deletion, to be preserved, or suggestions for programs for recording. Upon alarm deactivation, a list of new recordings made in user&#39;s absence and a missed call log is presented.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/842,016 filed Dec. Mar. 15, 2013 entitled “METHODS ANDAPPARATUS THAT FACILITATE CONTROLLING MULTIPLE DEVICES” which is herebyexpressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

Various embodiments of the present invention are related to home controlsystems, and more particularly, to method and apparatus that allow auser to control multiple devices, e.g., a video recording device, alarm,lights, etc., located at a customer premise using a single controldevice, e.g., a control panel.

BACKGROUND

Control panels and IP based control systems have been growing inpopularity. Via such systems a user may be able to control a home alarmand/or other devices which are capable of supporting Internet Protocol(IP) based communications. The same devices may also be controlled insome cases remotely via an Internet interface and a mobile devicecapable of supporting IP communications such as a smart cell phoneand/or other mobile device capable of supporting IP communications.

While the control of IP capable devices is relatively straight forwardvia an IP capable communications device, whether that be a control panelor smart phone, and an Internet server or home network. While many newset top boxes are IP capable, there remains a vast number of set topboxes, e.g., set top boxes which support digital video recording (DVR)functionality, which rely on non-IP signaling for control andcommunications purposes, based on one or more CableLabs specificationssometimes referred to as DOCSIS specifications.

In view of the above, it should be appreciated that there is a need formethods and/or apparatus that allow a user of a set top box (STB) withdigital video recorder (DVR) capability to control and/or interact withthe STB whether it be IP based or uses some other type of signaling,e.g., DOCSIS bases signaling for control and/or communications purposes.

In addition to allowing control of a STB from a control panel or otherdevice, there is a need for improved methods and/or apparatus whichallow a user to control multiple home devices in a simplified mannerwith a single command controlling multiple devices and/or initiatingmultiple operations. In view of the above, it should be appreciated thatthere is a need for methods and apparatus which allow STBs as well asother home devices such as a home security alarm, to be controlled froma single convenient control panel or device regardless of whether theSTB supports IP signaling or some other communications protocol.

SUMMARY

Methods and apparatus which facilitate controlling of multiple userdevices, e.g., devices located at a customer premise, e.g., home, usinga single interface, e.g., such as an interface on a control panel, an IPdevice and/or a Smartphone, are described.

Various embodiments and features relate to providing new and usefulfeatures allowing a user to control a STB from the same control panel auser can use to control a home alarm and/or other device in the house.Control of multiple devices through a single user input, e.g., amultifunction alarm activation and home device control button or otheruser selectable control, are described. In accordance with variousfeatures, a user can, e.g., when leaving home, activate a home alarm,automatically be presented with various DVR related control options, andshut down various home devices by making a single user selection on acontrol panel. In some embodiments, once selecting the multifunctionalarm activation control option, the control device, e.g., controlpanel, initiates retrieval about recording which are scheduled to bedeleted in the near future, presents the user an opportunity to selectone or more of the recording scheduled to be deleted to be preserved,and/or presents the user with suggestions for programs which the usermay want to select for recording while away from home.

Upon return home, in some embodiments, in response to a user selecting amulti-function alarm deactivation control option, e.g., button or iconon a control panel, the home alarm is deactivated, various devices areactivated, e.g., the lights and TV are turned on, and the user ispresented with information about what recordings where made since thetime of alarm activation. The user is presented an opportunity to selectone or more of the recordings made during the user's absence from thehome for immediate playback. In addition to being presented recordinginformation, upon returning home a user may be presented with call logsand/or message information with the user being able to select from thecall or message log to access call information and/or voicemailsdirectly from the control panel which can also be used to control thehome alarm system and STB.

In various embodiments, control of a STB is supported even in caseswhere the STB is not IP capable. In the case of IP capable devices,communication with the STB may, and in some embodiments does, occurbetween the STB and IP capable STB via a home network. In embodimentswhere the STB is not IP capable, i.e., uses DOCSIS signaling for controland information transfer purposes, the control panel communicates, via anetwork connection which extends outside the home, with a gateway deviceand/or server, e.g., in a cable headend, which can communicate with theSTB in the user's home via DOCSIS signaling. The response from the STBto the control panel is communicated from the STB via the externalnetwork including the gateway, to the control panel. The gateway and/orserver external to the home provide communications protocol conversion,security and/or other functions which allow the non-IP capable STB to becontrolled from the control panel. From the perspective of the non-IPcapable STB, the control signaling appears to be with an element in thenetwork headend while the control is actually being initiated from thenon-DOCSIS, e.g., IP based, control panel located at the customerpremise location, e.g., home.

The control panel may, and in some embodiments is, configured tointeract with the STB with recording capability via the home networkwhen the STB supports IP based communications and through the externalgateway and server when the STB does not support IP basedcommunications. Control panel configuration may, and in some embodimentsis, remotely controlled and configured from the network headend of thevideo server provider which provides content to the STB. Thus the cablenetwork headend and/or other service provider may, and in someembodiments does store information in the network headend indicatingwhether a particular customer and/or customer premise has an IP capableor non-IP capable STB. This information is used to remotely configure,from the network headend, the control panel in some embodiments so thatthe user is shielded from having to enter the type of STB into thecontrol panel or control system.

In accordance with one aspect of various embodiments, a user is providedan opportunity to control one or more customer devices, e.g., a set topbox, a television, a programmable oven, thermostat, light controlleretc., to perform a function, while the user is enabling or disabling analarm system, e.g., while leaving the customer premise or coming back tothe customer premise. In various embodiments the devices are located atthe customer premise. The function to be performed may include, e.g.,turning the devices ON/OFF, recording content on a device, preservingcontent scheduled to be deleted, playing back recorded content etc.

While described in the context of combining alarm arm and disarmfunctions with other functions such as STB control, it should beappreciated that the control functions described herein can be used in awide range of applications where a control panel is present whether ornot an alarm is used or provided at the customer premise location.

In some embodiments a user is allowed to program controls and/or userselectable inputs to implement a plurality of user defined controloptions. Thus a user can customize the system as desired. Oneparticularly desirable user customization is a “green button” whichallows the user to turn off multiple devices and, optionally activatethe home alarm, by pressing a single button when leaving the house. Thecontrol is referred to as a “green button” since it can be used toensure that multiple or all devices are powered down when the home ownerleaves thereby avoiding wasting energy which might occur if a user needsto individually turn off multiple devices with one or more devicespotentially being overlooked and left on by the user when leaving home.

Numerous additional features, embodiments and benefits are described inthe detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system implemented in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the steps and associated signaling performed in oneexemplary embodiment implemented using the system shown in FIG. 1, wherea user is presented with an opportunity to control one or more deviceswhile activating an alarm system.

FIG. 3 illustrates the steps and associated signaling performed in oneexemplary embodiment implemented using the system shown in FIG. 1, wherea user is presented with an opportunity to control one or more deviceswhile deactivating an alarm system.

FIGS. 4-13 illustrate exemplary control panel display screens, inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary control panel in accordance with someembodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system 100 implemented in accordancewith one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system 100supports delivery of content to customer devices, e.g., set top box,internet capable devices and internet TVs, mobile phones etc., andsupports exchange of signaling between various system elements tofacilitate controlling of various devices located at a customer premisevia a single control interface in accordance with the invention. Thesystem 100 includes a network headend 102, communication network(s) 161,e.g., cable network, internet, satellite network, a customer premise104, an external controller system 106, an IP (internet protocol) device108, e.g., personal computer, laptop, tablet device, Smartphone etc.,and a network gateway 110.

It should be appreciated that system 100 may include a plurality ofcustomer premises and a single customer premise 104 is shown forsimplification. In various embodiments the IP devices such as IP device108, support internet browsing and exchange of information over theinternet.

The network headend 102 may be implemented at a cable network office orsite and may include multiple servers and/or databases which are coupledtogether as shown. In the FIG. 1 example, the headend 102 includes aserver, e.g., a broadcast file server (BFS) and/or a video on-demand(VOD) server 140, a video application server 144, content storage 144, acustomer database 148, and a business management server 150. It shouldbe appreciated that various servers and/or elements shown to be includedin the headend 102 may reside outside the headend 102 in someembodiments and may be located anywhere in the system 100, e.g., in adistributed manner. In the FIG. 1 example, various servers and otherelements included in the headend 102 are coupled together by acommunications link 151. The local network 151 is coupled via one ormore network interfaces 152 to other networks and/or devices. Forexample, the headend 102 is coupled via network interface 152 tocommunications network(s) 161, and may also be coupled to one or moreother external networks.

Via the communications network(s) 161, the elements shown in the networkheadend 102 can send and/or exchange various information with thedevices located at the customer premise 104, and with the IP device 108.Communications with customer premise devices in the case of non-IPcapable STBs are, in some embodiments, in accordance with one or moreDOCSIS standards while communications with IP capable devices may be,and in some embodiments are, via IP signals.

The customer premise 104 includes a control device, e.g., control panel120, a set top box (STB) 122, a display device 124 which could be, e.g.,standard television, a home alarm system 126, a controller 128 forcontrolling one or more devices such as a thermostat, lights/fans, doorlocks etc., one or more sensors collectively shown as sensor(s) 130including door sensor, smoke sensor, carbon monoxide sensor, motionsensor, etc., and one or more cameras, e.g., security cameras forsurveillance. Although not shown, customer premise 104 may also includeadditional STBs, display devices, internet capable TVs, computers,tablet devices, Smartphones etc. The STBs may be IP capable or non-IPcapable devices or, when multiple STBs are present in a home, some maybe IP capable while others are non-IP capable. Information is stored incustomer records at the network headend identifying the types of STBslocated at each of the plurality of customer premise locations served bya network headend and the network headend can, and in some embodimentsdoes, supply such information to the control panel for purposes ofconfiguring the control system located at a customer premise to interactwith the STB(s) at the customer premise via the appropriatecommunications network, e.g., the home network in the case of IP capableSTBs or the external communications network, e.g., cable network, in thecase of non-IP capable devices such as DOCSIS STBs with DVRfunctionality.

The STB 122 may, and often does, include DVR functionality and thestorage of user selected content, e.g., data and/or video, and audiocontent. The STB 122 can be integrated in a device which also includes adisplay. In some, but not all, embodiments the STB 122 is an IP capableset top box device, e.g., an STB which supports IP (internet protocol)and communications over the internet. In some embodiments the STB 122 isa legacy STB that does not support IP and communications over theinternet. The STB support video, audio and optionally, E-mailfunctionality depending on the type of STB implemented in a givenembodiment. The STB 122 can be used to send information to the networkheadend 102 in addition to receiving programming content and/orinformation from the headend 102.

The control panel 120 serves as control interface allowing the user tocontrol a plurality of devices located at the customer premise 104 inaccordance with the invention. The control panel may be implemented as atablet computer or other device including a display, memory, processorand user input device. In the case of a touch screen device the displaymay act as both a display and input panel from which a user can selectone or more user selectable options. Physical keys or buttons foralarming/disarming an alarm may be provided as an alternative to or inaddition to a user selectable icon on a display which can be selected toactivate and/or deactivate one or more device in addition to the homealarm. The control panel 120 controls and communicates with the variousdevices 126, 128, 130, 132 over the home network 133. In someembodiments where the STB 122 supports IP capability, the control panel120 can communicate with the STB 122 over IP via the home network 133,e.g., as indicated by the dashed link between the STB 122 and controlpanel 120 traversing the home network 133. In some other embodimentswhere the STB does not support IP capability, the exchange ofinformation between the control panel 120 and the STB 122 occurs overthe communications network(s) 161 via the network gateway 110 and thevideo server gateway (VSG) 110. One or both of the network gateway 110and video server gateway 110 may perform protocol conversion and/orsignal conversion. For example, IP control and/or query signals may beconverted by the VSG 110 to DOCSIS signals and DOCSIS signals from a STBmay be converted by the VSG 110 to IP signals for communication to thecontrol panel.

The network gateway 110 includes a modem 112 in some embodiments. Insome embodiments the modem 112 is located at the customer premise 104while in some other embodiments the modem is located external to thecustomer premise 104. The modem 112 in some embodiments is e.g., a cablemodem.

As shown in FIG. 1, communications link 166 traversing thecommunications network(s) 161 couples the STB 122 to the variouselements/servers shown in the network headend 102. In some embodimentsthe STB 122 includes a modem. Similarly, the video gateway server 116 inthe controller system 106 is coupled to the various elements/serversshown in the network headend 102 via link 164 which traverses thenetwork(s) 161. The IP devices 108 can also communicate with the variouselements/servers shown in the network headend 102 over the network(s)161.

The BFS and/or VOD server 140, among other things, is responsible fordelivering programming content and/or other information including videoon-demand content ordered by one or more customers to the customerdevices, e.g., to STB 122 and/or other customer devices. In someembodiments BFS server and VOD servers are implemented as separateindividual servers.

In accordance with one feature, a user at the customer premise 104 maycontrol the STB 122 via the control panel 120 to perform variousfunctions. In doing so, the control panel 120 needs to communicate withthe STB 122, e.g., to control the STB to perform a function. The videoapplication server 142, among other things, is responsible forfacilitating exchange of information between the STB 122 and the controlpanel 120 in the embodiments where the STB 122 does not have IPcapability. In some such embodiments the exchange of information betweenthe STB 122 and the control panel 120 takes place over thecommunications network(s) 161 via the network gateway 110 and the VSG116. The information communicated between the between the STB 122 andthe control panel 120 includes, e.g., request for recording information,list of recorded programs, request to start playback of a recordedprogram on the STB, request to turn ON/OFF the STB etc.

The content storage 144 is the headend's local content store and servesto store programming content 146 which can be delivered to the customerdevices. In some embodiments, the system 100 also includes a regionalcontent storage device and/or a national content storage device whichsupplies content to content storage 144 of network head end 102.

Customer database 148 includes customer information, e.g., customeraccount information, customer subscription information, and otherbilling related information. Customer database 148 also includescustomer/user profiles for individual subscribers associated with STBs.For example, the database includes a user profile associated with STB122 that includes information about the user and/or services to whichthe user subscribes, user preferred control settings on the STB 122, thetype of programs that the user watches, user favorites, recording logsetc. BM (Business management) server 150 processes billing informationcorresponding to customers serviced by the network headend 102.

Having generally discussed the exemplary system shown in FIG. 1, anexemplary method will now be discussed in detail with regard to theexample shown in FIG. 2. Elements of the system 100 shown in FIG. 1which participate in the method being discussed in the FIG. 2 exampleare shown at the top of FIG. 2 and bear the same reference numbers asused in FIG. 1. Messages, information, content and/or signalscommunicated between devices are represented in FIG. 2 using arrows.

At the top of FIG. 2, various elements 200 of the system 100 which mayparticipate in facilitating controlling of one or more devices locatedat the customer premise 104 via the control panel, in accordance withone embodiment of the invention, are shown. The illustrated components200 include, the control panel 120, network gateway 110, video servergateway (VSG) 116, video application server 142, set top box 122, homecontrol server 118, home alarm system 126, device controls 128, and TV124.

At times it may be desirable to be able to control a plurality ofdevices to perform a desired function without having to physically go ateach and every single device and individually operate each device. Forexample, while leaving for work in the morning it is time consuming andtedious for a user to individually turn off all the lights, enable thehome alarm, turn off various devices, set the home temperature (using athermostat) higher/lower while the user is away, etc. Thus it may bedesirable to be able to control, activate and/or deactivate multipledevices such as home alarm system, lights, TVs, computers, STBs, musicsystems etc., using a single control interface such as the control panel120. In addition, it may be desirable to be able to view at a glancesome information of interest to the user, such as for example, videorecording information indicating what programs are scheduled to bedeleted from the STB DVR, programs of interest which will be or arebeing broadcast that the user may want to record for later viewing etc.The user may view such information and may decide to preserve and/orrecord a program. FIG. 2, illustrates the steps and associated signalingused in one exemplary embodiment where a user at the customer premise104 is provided an opportunity to control one or more devices such asthe devices/controls 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132 to perform variousfunctions, via the control panel 120, e.g., record a program, turn off adevice, etc.

For the purposes of discussion consider a scenario where a user atcustomer premise 104 is leaving the premise 104, e.g., for work in themorning. A first user selectable control option to activate the homealarm system 126 is presented on the control panel 120. The processstarts in step 202 where the user operates the control panel 120 toselect the control option to activate the home alarm system 126presented on the control panel 120 (e.g., by pressing an activationbutton on the control panel or by selecting the alarm activation optiondisplayed on the display screen of the control panel 120 which supportstouch screen functionality in some embodiments). Thus in step 202 theuser input is received at the control panel 120, e.g., a selection ofthe alarm activation option by the user.

Following the receipt of the user input, in step 204 a signal 205requesting video recording information corresponding to a recordingdevice, e.g., such as the DVR on the STB 122, is sent from the controlpanel 120. Depending on the user selected control option in step 202,i.e., alarm activation option or alarm deactivation option, therequested video recording information may include, for example, a listof a list of programs scheduled to be deleted from which the user canselect one or more programs for preservation, a list of suggestedprograms for recording, programs recorded while user way away, etc.Other information besides video recording information may be requestedfrom other sources automatically in some embodiments in response todetecting the user input for alarm activation, such as e.g., trafficupdates for a preferred route at the current time.

In some embodiments the destination for the request signal 205 for videorecording information is the STB 122 which stores the video recordinginformation in the memory. The video recording information correspondingto the recording device, e.g., STB 122, may also be stored in theheadend 102. For the purpose of discussion of FIG. 2 example, considerthat the STB 122 is a legacy STB device that does not supportcommunications over IP. In such an embodiment the request signal 205 iscommunicated via various elements of the system 100 including thenetwork gateway 110 and the VSG 116 as shown in FIG. 2 example.Accordingly, the control panel 120 sends the request signal 205 forvideo recording information to the network gateway 110. The networkgateway 110 receives the signal 205 in step 206, processes the signal205 and sends a signal 207 including the request for video recordinginformation to the VSG 116. Signal 207 is received and processed by theVSG 116 in step 208. Further in step 208, the VSG 116 sends a signal 209including the request for video recording information to the videoapplication server 142 which receives the request signal 209 in step210. In step 210 the video application server 142 finally sends a signal211 including the request for video recording information to the STB122. It should be appreciated that payload of the original request forvideo recording information signal 205 is preserved and included in eachof the signals 207, 209 and 211 although the format of themessages/signals 205, 207, 209 and 211 communicated between variousdevices may be different.

In step 212 the STB 122 receives and processes the request for videorecording information. FIG. 2 example is discussed assuming that theuser is going out and selects the alarm activation option, thus in step212 STB 122 looks up for the programs which are scheduled to be deleted,e.g., in a given time period, for example, in the next 24 or 48 or 72hours, as per the terms and conditions set forth by the serviceprovider. The STB 122 also generates a list of upcoming programs thatthe user may want to record. The selection of upcoming programssuggested for recording may, and in some embodiments is, based on theuser's viewing habits in the past. In some embodiments informationregarding the user's favorite programs, movies, channels, viewing habitsetc., are collected and a user profile is generated which may be storedboth in the STB 122 and at the headend 102. In some embodiments the usercan himself/herself generate a user profile including such informationas discussed above.

In step 214 the STB sends the recording information including, e.g., alist of programs scheduled for deletion from the STB 122 and a list ofsuggested upcoming programs that the user may want to record, in asignal 215 to the headend 102, e.g., over the communication network(s)161. The signal 215 is received by the video application server 142 instep 216. The video application server 142 sends a signal 217 includingthe recording information which is received and processed by the VSG 116in step 218. Further in step 218 the VSG 116 sends a signal 218including the recording information to the network gateway 110 whichreceives the recording information in step 220 and sends a signal 221including the recording information to the control panel 120. Thecontrol panel 120 receives the recording information in step 222.Further in step 222, the control panel 120 presents the recordinginformation, e.g., at least one of: a list of the recorded programsscheduled for deletion, or a list of upcoming programs that the user maywant to record, to the user on the display screen of the control panel120 in a suitable display format. An exemplary control panel displayingrecording information presented to the user on the display screen isillustrated in FIG. 5.

Steps 204′, 212′, 214′ and 222′ and the dotted arrows illustrate thesteps and signaling performed in an alternative embodiment where a STBdevice with IP capability is used. Thus as should be appreciated, insuch an embodiment the signaling exchange for the recording informationis between the control panel 120 and the STB 122 over IP. The controlpanel 120 sends a request for recording information 205′, e.g., over thehome network which supports IP, and receives the recording information215′ from the STB 122 in response.

Following the presentation of recording information in step 222, thecontrol panel 120 monitors to receive additional user input, e.g., inputindicating user selection of an item from the presented recordinginformation. In step 224 the control panel 120 detects selection of oneor more items from the list presented to the user. For example, the usermay select a recorded program scheduled to be deleted for preservationso that it is not deleted from the DVR and/or select an upcoming programfor recording. Upon receiving the user input, in step 224 the controlpanel 120 sends a preserve and/or record control message 225 to the STB122 indicating that the selected item should be preserved and/or thatthe selected program should be recorded. Again, as discussed earlier, inthe legacy STB embodiment, the communications between the control panel120 and the STB 122 occurs via a plurality of servers and gatewaysdevices. Thus the preserve and/or record control message 225 is firstsent to the network gateway 110 which receives and processes it in step226. Further in step 226, the network gateway 110 then sends a signal227 including the preserve and/or record control message to the VSG 116.In step 228 the VSG 116 sends a signal 229 including the preserve and/orrecord command to the video application server 142 which receives thesignal in step 230. Finally in step 230 the video application server 142sends a signal 231 to the STB, e.g., over the communications network(s)161. The STB 122 receives the preserve and/or record control message andimplements the preservation or recording operation as instructed. Thusas should be appreciated from the signaling, in embodiments where theSTB 122 does not support IP capability, the preserve and/or recordcontrol message is transmitted to a server which is coupled to the STB122 via a communications network that is external to the customerpremise. The signaling shown using dashed arrows 225, 227, 229 and 231is optional and is performed when user selection is detected in step224. If no user input is detected in step 224, the signals shown usingdashed arrows 225, 227, 229 and 231 are not generated and communicated.

Steps 224′ and 232′ and control message 225′ shown in dotted arrowsillustrate the steps and signaling in an alternative embodiment wherethe STB 122 support IP capability and thus the preserve and/or recordcontrol message 225′ is sent from the control panel 120 to STB 122simply over the home network 133 that supports IP. Thus it should beappreciated that the control message 225′ is an IP based messagetransmitted over the home network 133 located at the customer premisewhen said video recording device is an IP capable device.

In step 234 the control panel waits for a time counter to expire beforeactivating the alarm system 126 and turning off one or more devices. Insome embodiments the control panel 120 starts the time counter initiallywhen the user input in step 202 is received and waits for the counter toexpire. The counter expires if no user input is detected at the controlpanel 120 for a predetermined amount of time, e.g., 60 seconds. Thecontrol panel 120 resets and restarts the time counter when a user inputis detected. If the user input is not detected for the predeterminedamount of time, the counter expires and the control panel 120 activatesthe alarm system 126. The predetermined amount of time gives the userenough time to leave the house before the alarm activation occurs. Forexample if the user selects the control option to activate the alarm instep 202 and does not provide an input in step 224 in response toviewing recording information presented in step 222, the control panel120 just waits for the time to expire before activating the alarm. Inanother scenario, if the user selects some program for preservation orrecording in step 224, the control panel 120 restarts the counter. Thusafter receiving the last user input, for example in step 224, thecontrol panel restarts the time counter and waits for expiration. Thesignaling illustrated in connection with steps 240 through 284 isperformed following the expiration of time counter.

Consider that the user wants to turn off a plurality of devices, e.g.,TVs, STBs, lights etc., before leaving the house. Such an option ispresented to the user on the control panel 120 in the form of a buttonor icon on the display screen of the control panel 120. In someembodiments this option of turning off user selected multiple devices iscalled “GREEN BUTTON” or “GO GREEN” option which is available to selecton the control panel 120. In some embodiments, the user can alsoconfigure the control panel 120 to implement the device turn offoperation of various user selected devices upon the selection of alarmactivation control option selected in step 202. The signaling associatedwith steps 240 through 284 in FIG. 2 example illustrates such a casewhere the user has configured the control panel 120 to turn off thelights and the TV when the alarm is activated. Thus in accordance withone feature of the invention, selecting a single exemplary controloption from the control panel 120 allows the user to activate the alarmand control multiple devices to turn OFF/ON and/or perform a desiredfunction.

Following the expiration of the time counter, in step 240 the controlpanel 120 sends a light control signal, e.g., control signal to turn oneor more lights OFF. The light control signal is communicated to the homecontrol server 118 via the network gateway 110 as shown in the figure.In step 244 the home control server 118 receives the light controlsignal, enters the information indicating the lights which are beingturned OFF, in a device status log corresponding to the customer premise104. The device status log is maintained by the home control server 118.In some embodiments the light control signal communicated to the homecontrol server 118 includes information identifying at least one of thecustomer premise 104, controller 128 which controls the lights, or thecontrol panel 120.

In step 246 the home control server 118 sends a response signal back tothe control panel 120, via the network gateway 110, confirming thereceipt of the light control signal and its approval to turn off thelights. In step 250 the control panel receives the light controlresponse signal. In step 252 the control panel sends a light turn offcommand to the controller 128, e.g., over the home network 133, whichreceives the turn off command in step 254 and turns OFF the selected oneor more lights.

Similarly, in step 256 the control panel 120 sends a TV control signal,e.g., control signal to turn a selected TV OFF. The TV control signal iscommunicated to the home control server 118 via the network gateway 110as shown in the figure. In step 260 the home control server 118 receivesthe TV control signal, enters the information indicating that the TV isbeing turned OFF, in the device status log corresponding to the customerpremise 104. In step 262 the home control server 118 sends a responsesignal back to the control panel 120, via the network gateway 110,confirming the receipt of the TV control signal and its approval to turnoff the TV. In step 266 the control panel 120 receives the TV controlresponse signal. In step 268 the control panel sends a TV turn offcommand to the TV 124, e.g., over the home network 133. The TV 124receives the turn off command in step 270 and turns OFF. In someembodiments the TV control signal communicated to the home controlserver 118 includes information identifying at least one of the customerpremise 104, TV 124, or the control panel 120.

In step 272 the control panel 120 sends an alarm activation controlsignal, e.g., control signal indicating the alarm system is beingactivated. The alarm activation control signal is communicated to thehome control server 118 via the network gateway 110 as shown in steps274 and 276. In some embodiments the alarm activation control signalcommunicated to the home control server 118 includes informationidentifying at least one of the customer premise 104, alarm system 124,or the control panel 120. In step 276 the home control server 118receives the alarm activation control signal, enters the informationindicating that the alarm system is being activated, in the devicestatus log corresponding to the customer premise 104. Further in step276 the home control server 118 sends a response signal back to thecontrol panel 120, via the network gateway 110, confirming the receiptof the alarm activation control signal and its approval to activate thealarm. In step 280 the control panel 120 receives the alarm activationcontrol response signal. In step 282 the control panel 120 sends analarm activation control command to the home alarm system 126, e.g.,over the home network 133. The home alarm system receives the activationcommand in step 284 and activates the alarm.

Although FIG. 2 example illustrates the alarm activation control signal,light control signal, and TV control signal being sent separately to thecontrol server 118, it should be appreciated that in some embodimentsthese control signals are sent together as part of a single message tothe home control server 118 which then responds in a single responsesignal. The control panel 120 then sends signals to the controller 128,TV 124 and the alarm system 126 asynchronously over the home network sothat these devices implement the instructed function in parallel, e.g.,the lights will turn OFF, the TV will turn OFF and the alarm system willactivate approximately around the same time.

FIG. 3 is a drawing 300 illustrating the steps and associated signalingused in one exemplary embodiment where the user at the customer premise104 is provided an opportunity to control one or more devices such asthe devices/controls 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132 to perform variousfunctions, via the control panel 120. The steps and signalingillustrated in FIG. 3 presents an example where the user selects analarm deactivation control option on the control panel, e.g., afterreturning back home at the customer premise 104. Messages, information,content and/or signals communicated between devices are represented inFIG. 3 using arrows. Various elements of the system 100 shown in FIG. 3are the same as the ones shown in FIG. 2 example.

For the purposes of discussion consider a scenario where the userreturns at customer premise 104, e.g., returns back from work in theevening. A first user selectable control option to deactivate the homealarm system 126 is presented on the control panel 120. The processstarts in step 302 where the user operates the control panel 120 toselect the control option to deactivate the home alarm system 126presented on the control panel 120 (e.g., by pressing a deactivationbutton on the control panel or by selecting the alarm deactivationoption displayed on the display screen of the control panel 120).Further consider that the user has configured the control panel 120 toturn ON various user selected devices, e.g., lights, TV, etc., upon theselection of alarm deactivation control option selected in step 302.Thus in step 302 the user input is received at the control panel 120,e.g., a selection of the alarm deactivation option by the user.

Following the receipt of the user input, in step 302 the control panel120 sends an alarm deactivation control signal, e.g., control signalindicating the alarm system is being deactivated. The alarm deactivationcontrol signal is communicated to the home control server 118 via thenetwork gateway 110 as shown in step 304. In step 306 the home controlserver 118 receives the alarm deactivation control signal and enters theinformation indicating that the alarm system is being deactivated in thedevice status log corresponding to the customer premise 104. Further instep 306 the home control server 118 sends a deactivation controlresponse signal back to the control panel 120, via the network gateway110, confirming the receipt of the alarm deactivation control signal andits approval to deactivate the alarm 126. In step 308 the responsesignal 307 is received by the network gateway 110 and then a signal 309including the response signal information is communicated by the gateway110 to the control panel 120. In step 310 the control panel 120 receivesthe alarm deactivation control response. In step 312 the control panel120 sends an alarm deactivation control command to the home alarm system126, e.g., over the home network 133. The home alarm system 126 receivesthe deactivation command in step 314 and deactivates the alarm system.

As discussed above, in accordance with one feature of some embodimentsthe user can control multiple devices to start performing a desiredfunction, e.g., turn ON, upon selecting the alarm deactivation. Considerthat in the example of FIG. 3 the user settings on the control panel 120allow the control panel to turn a number of user selected devices ONupon selection of alarm deactivation control option on the control panel120.

Following the selection of alarm deactivation control option, in step320 the control panel sends a light control signal, e.g., control signalto turn ON one or more lights. The light control signal is communicatedto the home control server 118 via the network gateway 110 as shown inFIG. 3. In step 324 the home control server 118 receives the lightcontrol signal, enters the information indicating the lights which arebeing turned ON, in the device status log corresponding to the customerpremise 104. In step 326 the home control server 118 sends a responsesignal back to the control panel 120, via the network gateway 110,confirming the receipt of the light control signal and its approval toturn ON the lights. In step 330 the control panel 120 receives the lightcontrol response signal. In step 332 the control panel 120 sends a lightturn ON command to the controller 128, e.g., over the home network 133,which receives the turn ON command in step 334 and turn ON the selectedone or more lights.

Similarly, in step 336 the control panel 120 sends a TV control signal,e.g., control signal to turn a selected TV ON. The TV control signal iscommunicated to the home control server 118 via the network gateway 110as indicated in steps 338 and 340. In step 340 the home control server118 receives the TV control signal, enters the information indicatingthat the TV is being turned ON in the device status log corresponding tothe customer premise 104. In step 342 the home control server 118 sendsa response signal back to the control panel 120, via the network gateway110, confirming the receipt of the TV control signal and its approval toturn the TV ON. In step 346 the control panel 120 receives the TVcontrol response signal. In step 348 the control panel 120 sends a TVturn ON command to the TV 124, e.g., over the home network 133. The TV124 receives the turn ON command in step 350 and turns ON. In someembodiments the user can configure the TV 124 to display a specificchannel, e.g., a news channel, upon receipt of the turn ON command fromthe control panel 120.

Although in the FIG. 3 example, the alarm deactivation control signal,light control signal, and TV control signal are illustrated as beingsent separately to the control server 118, it should be appreciated thatin some embodiments these control signals are sent together as part of asingle message to the home control server 118. In some such embodimentsthe control panel 120 sends a control signal to each of these devicesasynchronously over the home network so that these devices implement theinstructed function in parallel, e.g., alarm system deactivates, thelights turn ON and the TV turns ON approximately around the same time.

Further in accordance with one feature of the invention, following theselection of alarm deactivation control option and deactivation of thealarm system 126, in step 352 the control panel 120 sends a signal 353requesting video recording information corresponding to a videorecording device, e.g., such as the DVR on the STB 122. In case of theselection of alarm deactivation control option, the requested videorecording information includes e.g., a list of programming contentrecorded while user way away, etc. In the embodiment of a legacy STBthat does not support communications over IP, the request signal 353 forvideo recording information is sent from the control panel 120 to theSTB 122 via various gateways as should be appreciated from the steps 352through 360. The control panel 120 sends the request signal 353 forvideo recording information to the network gateway 110. The networkgateway 110 receives and processes the signal 353 in step 354 and sendsa signal 355 including the request for video recording information tothe VSG 116. Signal 355 is received and processed by the VSG 116 in step356. Further in step 356, the VSG 116 sends a signal 357 including therequest for video recording information to the video application server142 which receives the request signal 357 in step 358. In step 358 thevideo application server 142 finally sends a signal 359 including therequest for video recording information to the STB 122. It should beappreciated that payload of the original request for video recordinginformation signal 353 is preserved and included in each of the signals355, 357 and 359 although the format of the messages/signals 353, 355,357 and 359 communicated between various devices may be different.

In step 360 the STB 122 receives and processes the request for videorecording information. In step 360 STB 122 determines that the requestedvideo recording information concerns the programs recorded while theuser was away, e.g., after the user activated the alarm and left thecustomer premise 104. The STB 122 generates a list of the recordedprograms, e.g., which the user may have selected for recording beforeleaving the customer premise 104.

In step 362 the STB 122 sends the recording information including, e.g.,a list of recorded programs to the video application server 142, e.g.,over the communication network(s) 161. The recording information isreceived by the video application server 142 in step 364. Further instep 364 the video application server 142 sends a message 365 includingthe recording information to the VSG 116 which receives and processesthe message 365 in step 366. Further in step 366 the VSG 116 sends asignal 367 including the recording information to the network gateway110 which receives the recording information in step 368 and sends asignal 369 including the recording information to the control panel 120.The control panel 120 receives the recording information in step 370.Further in step 370, the control panel 120 presents the recordinginformation, e.g., a list recorded programs, to the user on the displayscreen of the control panel 120 in a suitable display format. In someembodiments, the displayed information shows the recorded items andprovides an option to the user to select am item for playback, e.g., byselecting a button or icon on a touch screen display of the controlpanel 120. An exemplary control panel display screen showing the displayof recording information presented to the user on the display screen isillustrated in FIG. 8.

Following the presentation of recording information to the user in step370, the control panel 120 monitors to receive additional user input,e.g., input indicating user selection of an item from the presentedrecording information, e.g., for playback. In step 372 the control panel120 detects selection of an item from the list of recorded itemspresented to the user. For example, the user may select a recordedprogram for playback. Upon receiving the user input indicating theselection, in step 372 the control panel 120 sends a playback controlmessage 373 to the STB 122 indicating that the selected item is selectedfor playback. The playback control message 373 is received and processedby the network gateway 110 in step 374. Further in step 374, the networkgateway 110 sends a signal 375 including the playback control messagepayload to the VSG 116. In step 376 the VSG 116 sends a signal 377including the playback control message payload to the video applicationserver 142 which receives the signal in step 378. Further in step 378the video application server 142 sends a signal 379 including theplayback control message payload to the STB 122, e.g., over thecommunications network(s) 161. In step 380 the STB 122 receives thesignal communicating the playback control message and starts playback ofthe selected recorded program content as instructed, e.g., startsplaying the recorded program on TV 124. The signaling shown using dashedarrows 373, 375, 377 and 379 is optional and is performed depending onwhether a user selection is detected in step 372. If no user input isdetected in step 372, the signals shown using dashed arrows 373, 375,377 and 379 are not generated and communicated.

Steps 352′, 360′, 362′, 370′, 372′ and 380′ and the dotted arrowsillustrate the steps and signaling performed in an alternativeembodiment where a STB 122 is a device that supports IP communications.Thus as should be appreciated, in such an embodiment the signalingexchange for the recording information is between the control panel 120and the STB 122 over IP. The control panel 120 sends a request forrecording information 353′, e.g., over the home network which supportsIP, and receives the recording information 363′ from the STB 122 inresponse. It should be appreciated that in such embodiments the controlmessage 353′ and the response 363′ are IP based messages transmittedover the home network 133 located at the customer premise when the videorecording device, e.g., STB 122, is an IP capable device. In step 372′the user detects user input indicating selection of a recorded item forplayback and sends a playback control message 373′ to the STB 122 forplayback. In step 380′ the STB 122 starts playback of the recordedprogram.

FIG. 4 is a drawing 400 illustrating an exemplary control panel display,in accordance with the invention. FIG. 4 shows a control panel 402including a display screen 404 region, up/down/left/right scroll keys412, and a ON/OFF/RESET button 414. The control panel 402 can be used asthe exemplary control panel 120 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and performsthe functions discussed with regard to the control panel 120 discussedabove. In various embodiments the display screen 404 supports touchscreen functionality.

As shown in the figure, the top right hand corner of the display screenshows a display region 406 that displays day, date, time andtemperature. The section identified using reference number 408 displaysthe status of alarm, e.g., whether alarm is currently ON or OFF, andincludes an icon “ACTIVATE” which a user can select, e.g., by pressingthe icon on the touch screen display 404 in the touch screen embodiment.In non-touch screen embodiments the user can scroll to various sectionson the screen and select control options using the scroll keys. In suchnon-touch screen embodiments some additional control buttons, e.g.,“select” and “cancel”, etc. are provided.

It should be appreciated that FIG. 4 illustrates a control panel displayat a time of inactivity, that is, when the alarm is not active asindicated by the alarm status in section 408. Section 410 represents anoptional section which is used to display reminders set by the user. Forexample the user can set reminders for a certain day, e.g., next day, sothat the user can see them before leaving the house while activating thealarm system using the control panel.

The region 420 illustrated on the bottom half of the display screen 404shows the MAIN MENU section of the control panel 402 as displayed on thescreen. The main menu includes a device controls icon 422, a call logsicon 424, a recording center icon 426, a “on TV now” icon 428, avoicemail center icon 430, a security center icon 432 and a “Go Green”icon 434. The user can select any of the icons displayed on the screento view the detailed menu for the selected item.

The device controls 422 provides information for various devices whichcan be controlled using the control panel 402 and provides userselectable control options which allow the user to control thesedevices. For example when the device control icon 422 is selected, agraphical interface/menu is presented on the control panel display 404with various control options to control various different devices. Thedevices may include, e.g., TV 122, set top box 122, a thermostat, fans,oven etc.

The call logs icon 422, when selected by the user, provides a call logshowing recent call history including e.g., missed called, receivedcalls, dialed calls. User selectable control options are provided toview the call details. In some embodiments the call logs are retrievedby the control panel 402 for display to the user.

The recording center icon 424, when selected by the user, provides agraphical interface/menu on the control panel display 404 with variousrecording options, e.g., to see a log of recorded items recorded on therecording device, e.g., STB 122, schedule recording for an item, a listof scheduled recordings etc.

On TV NOW icon 428, when selected, provides a list of suggested programswhich are currently on TV or will be on TV, that the user may beinterested in watching. The Voicemail center icon 430, when selected bythe user, provides a log of recent voicemails and also provides a userselectable option to playback the voicemail from a telephone answeringmachine.

Security Center icon 432, when selected by the user, providesinformation on the status of for various security devices, e.g.,cameras, motion sensors, alarms, door locks etc. A user selectableoption to control and/or view a feedback from the security devices isalso provided and displayed on the control panel 402 in someembodiments. For example a user selectable option to view the video feedfrom the security camera is provided. The user can select to view thevideo feed on a security monitor or the TV 124 or even on the controlpanel screen in some embodiments.

Go Green icon 434, when selected by the user, controls a plurality ofuser selected devices (which may have been previously selected by theuser) to turn off at once. For example the user may configure thecontrol panel to include a number devices, e.g., one or more of a TV,computer, lights, fans, music system, STB etc. in an exemplary GREENlist. In some embodiments when the user selects the Go GREEN icon 434,for example, before leaving the customer premise or while going tosleep, the devices in the GREEN list turn OFF.

FIG. 5 is a drawing 500 that shows exemplary control panel 402 with anexemplary screen 404 that may, and normally is, displayed in someembodiments after a user has selected alarm activation. The displayportion of the screen 402 includes a plurality of fields designed toprovide the user with information about the alarm status, DVR controloptions and recording suggestions. Field 442 shows a prompt inquiring ifthe user would like to keep any of the recordings listed in Field 444which are scheduled to be deleted, e.g., as part of normal DVRmaintenance as may be expected when unwatched scheduled recordings areautomatically deleted at the end of a particular time window from whenthe recordings were made, e.g., two weeks, or because of storage spacelimitations. The list of recordings shown in field 444 are obtained fromthe STB located at the user's customer premise at which the controlpanel 402 is located and are presented to the user to allow the user toselect one or more recordings to be saved. In this manner, the user isprovided a useful reminder of the recordings to be deleted beforeleaving home and given a chance to select recordings to be preserved,e.g., for later viewing. Field 446 prompts the user to indicate ifhe/she would like to record one or more programs which are presented inthe list of items indicated in field 448 as recording suggestions. Auser can select from the programs listed in 444 and 448 by simplytapping on the corresponding portion of the display 404 in the case of atouch sensitive display embodiment.

Note that in field 406 the current date, time and temperature insideand/or outside the house are displayed. A user may select theinformation to be displayed in field 406 as part of configuration of thecontrol panel and/or alarm system. In the FIG. 5 example the screen 404corresponds to a point in time following user selection of alarmactivation but prior to the alarm being made active, e.g., with a 60 or90 second window provided for the user to exit the home. Accordinglystatus field 408 shows that with regard to the alarm, the status isalarm “activation in progress”. Field 410 shows reminders set by theuser, e.g., to pick up a child, CINDY, and of an upcoming dentistappointment. Such reminders may be entered via a PC, mobile phone and/orother IP capable device capable of interacting with the control system.Note that alarm activation will occur in some embodiments 60 or 90seconds, or some other user configured time, from the last input enteredby the user following selection of the alarm activation button or inputoption. This provides the user time after making one or morecontrol/recording selections to leave the house. Thus, each time theuser presses or makes a selection on the control panel the exit timer isreset thereby allowing the user time to make one or more recording/STBcontrol selections without having to worry about completing the STBcontrol selections prior to the exit timer expiring.

FIG. 6 is a drawing 600 showing the screen 404 of control panel 402 at apoint in time when the user has selected one or more items to berecorded and/or preserved from the list 444 and 448. The user recordingpreservation and recording selections are highlighted to illustrate theuser selections. As shown in FIG. 6, the user has selected LOST EPISODE4, SEASON 4 to be preserved by selecting field 452 which, as a result ofthe user selection is shown as being highlighted indicating userselection. As can be seen from the highlight of fields 454 and 456 theuser has also selected FAMILY GUY, EPISODE 4 SEASON 10 and DEXTEREPISODE 5 SEASON 7 for recording from the list of upcoming eventspresented as recording suggestions. As a result of these selections, thecontrol panel 402 will signal the STB 122 in the customer premise 104where the control panel 402 is located, e.g., via the external networkin the case of a DOCSIS compatible STB and via the home network in thecase of a IP capable STB, to preserve the selected recordings for laterviewing and to record the programs selected for recording.

FIG. 7 is an illustration 700 showing the exemplary control panel 402that is displayed when the corresponding home alarm is on, e.g., active,as may be encountered by a user returning home. The user is presentedwith multiple control options, e.g., a simple alarm disable option 710shown in Field 408 or a multi-function disarm option 712 also shown infield 408. Selection of option 710 simply disables the alarm system 126while selection of option 712 triggers deactivation of the alarm system126 but also a variety of other functions such as turning on home lightsand a TV and the presentation of a variety of recordings made since thealarm was activated from which the user can select a recording forimmediate playback on the TV located at the customer premise. Option 712is shown highlighted in FIG. 7 indicating that the user has selectedthis option in the FIG. 7 example.

In response to selection of option 712, the control panel 402 sends thesignals necessary to deactivate the alarm, turn on the TV, home lightsand retrieve recording information from the STB located at the customerpremise where the control panel 402 is located.

FIG. 8 is a drawing 800 of the exemplary control panel 402 including thescreen 404 showing various fields which are displayed followingselection of the multi-function alarm deactivation option 712. Note thatfield 408 shows that the alarm is now off and provides the user a chanceto activate the alarm should the user so desires. In addition, remindersare shown in field 410. Notably, following alarm deactivation andretrieval of recording information the user is provided a list ofrecordings that were made since the alarm was activated, e.g., while theuser was away. Field 814 displays a message indicating to the user thatthe listed programs were recorded in the user's absence while field 816lists the recordings that were made along with a user selectableplayback option. In addition to retrieving recording information, thecontrol panel 402 may retrieve message information, e.g., voice messagesand/or missed call information, e.g., from a voice or phone server, anddisplay such information. Field 810 indicates that the user has 4 newmissed calls and 2 new voice mails in the FIG. 8 example while userselectable field 812 presents the user the chance to check, e.g.,retrieve the messages and missed call log.

Assuming for purposes of explanation that the user selected option offield 812 to view missed calls and message information, a screen such asthat shown in FIG. 9 may be displayed.

FIG. 9 is an illustration 900 of the control panel 402 with the screen404 showing missed call information as shown in field 902. Field 902includes multiple rows each corresponding to a different missed call.Each row includes a caller name field 910 which includes caller IDinformation identifying, when available, the caller who made the missedcall, a telephone number field that shows the number from which the callwas made indicated by the entry in column 912, a date field of the callindicated by the entry in column 914, the time field indicating the timeof the call as indicated by the entry in column 918, and a voice mailfield indicating whether the caller left a voice mail message asindicated by the entry in column 918. If a voice mail message wasreceived, a user may tap on the voice mail entry in column 918 toretrieve and playback the corresponding voice mail message via thecontrol panel 402.

FIG. 10 is a drawing 1000 showing the display screen 404 of controlpanel 402 showing various fields which are displayed following selectionof the CALL LOGS field 424 from the main menu 420 on the control panel402 discussed in FIG. 4. Section 1002 shows the options normallypresented on the display screen 404 to the user following the selectionof the CALL LOGS field 424 from the main menu 420. The displayed CALLLOGS 1002 includes a missed calls field 1004, a received calls field1006 and a dialed calls field 1008. The user can tap on any one of thefields to view the details and take further action. For discussionpurposes consider that the user has selected to view missed calls field1004 which is highlighted to illustrate the user selection.

Following the selection of Missed Calls field 1004, a missed call log1010 is presented to the user. The information displayed in the missedcall log 1010 is similar to the information presented in section 902discussed above in FIG. 9 example. The bottom portion of the displayscreen shows a “return to main menu” field 1012 which can be selected bythe user to go exit out from the currently displayed screen and/or goback to the main menu.

FIG. 11 is a drawing 1100 showing the display screen 404 of controlpanel 402 showing various fields which are displayed following selectionof the RECORDING CENTER field 426 from the main menu 420 on the controlpanel 402 discussed in FIG. 4. Section 1102 shows the options normallypresented to the user following the selection of the RECORDING CENTERfield 426 from the main menu 420. The displayed RECORDING CENTER 1002includes a recording logs field 1104, a recording scheduler field 1106and a scheduled recordings field 1108. The user can tap on any one ofthe sections to view the details and take further action. For discussionpurposes consider that the user has selected to view recording logsfield 1104 which is highlighted to illustrate the user selection.

Following the selection of recording logs field 1104, a recordings log1110 is presented to the user. The recordings logs 1110 shows a list ofitems which are currently recorded on the video recording device, e.g.,STB, at the customer premise. The user can select any of the recordeditems from the recordings log 1110. In some embodiments the userselection will trigger sending of a control signal from the controlpanel 402 to the STB to start playback of the selected item.

FIG. 12 is a drawing 1200 showing the display screen 404 of controlpanel 402 showing various fields which are displayed following selectionof the RECORDING CENTER field 426 from the main menu 420 on the controlpanel 402. FIG. 12 example shows the screen display at a point in timewhen the user selects the recording scheduler field 1106 highlighted toillustrate the user selection, from the options available in therecording center section 1102 discussed above.

Following the selection of recording scheduler field 1106, a recordingscheduler 1204 is presented to the user which provides an option tobrowse and select or enter a channel for recording as indicated in field1204, an option to enter the title of the program to be recorded if theuser wishes to name it differently than the default/original tile asindicated in field 1206, an option to set the start time of recording ofa corresponding program as indicated in field 1208, and an option toenter the end time to end the recording of a corresponding program asindicated in field 1210.

FIG. 13 is a drawing 1300 of the exemplary control panel 402 includingthe screen 404 showing various fields which are displayed followingselection of the simple alarm deactivation option 710. Thus FIG. 13presents an example of a screen display which is an alternative of thescreen display illustrated in FIG. 8 example. It should be appreciatedthat same reference numbers have been used for the displayed items whichhave been discussed earlier in the FIG. 8 example. Field 408 shows thatthe alarm is now off and provides the user a chance to activate thealarm should the user so desires. The reminders are shown in field 410.As discussed with regard to FIG. 8 example, following alarm deactivationand retrieval of recording information the user is provided a list ofrecordings that were made since the alarm was activated as indicted bythe fields 814 and 816. The missed call and voice mails information isalso provided as shown. In addition to the information shown anddiscussed with regard to FIG. 8, in FIG. 13 it is illustrated thatfollowing alarm deactivation an opportunity is provided to the user toindividually control various devices, e.g., TV, STB, Lights, fans etc.,using the control options presented in section 820. Since the userselected the simple alarm deactivation option 710 (rather than themulti-function alarm deactivation option 712), the control optionspresented in section 820 provides an opportunity to the user to control,e.g., turn on, play etc., one or more devices individually if the userdesires.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary control panel 1400 implemented inaccordance with one exemplary embodiment. The control panel 1400 may beused as the control panel 120 of the system 100 and control panel 402illustrated in FIGS. 4-13. As shown, the control panel 1400 includes adisplay 1402, a speaker 1404, a processor 1406, an Input/Output (I/O)interface 1408, and a storage device, e.g. a memory 1412 coupledtogether via a bus 1407. The various elements of the control panel 1400can exchange data and information over the bus 1407.

Via the I/O interface 1408, the control panel 1400 can exchange signalsand/or information with other devices and/or system elements such as theservers in the network head end 102, e.g., via one or more gatewaydevices and with various home devices such as the alarm system. The I/Ointerface 1002 supports the receipt and/or transmission of informationfrom/to various different servers and/or devices. The I/O interface 1002in various embodiments includes an IP interface 1410 that supportscommunication of information over IP and a non-IP interface 1409 thatsupports communication of information over non-IP communications media.

The speaker 1404 provides an audio output to the user. In someembodiments the user can configure the control panel 1400 such that itprovides audible messages, alerts, reminders to the user upon detectingselection of a selectable control option. For example in someembodiments, upon detecting selection of an alarm activation controloption, the control panel 1400 provides an audible message via thespeaker 1404 presenting an opportunity to preserve an item scheduled tobe deleted and/or record an item for later viewing, depending on thepreference of the user. Such an audio message may be in addition to themessages and prompts displayed on the display screen 1402.

The processor 1406, e.g., a CPU, executes routines 1414 and one or moremodules to control the control panel 1400 to operate in accordance withthe invention. The processor 1406 is responsible for general operationof the control panel 1400 including, e.g., presentation of informationfor display. To control the control panel 1400, the processor 1406 usesinformation, various modules and/or routines including instructionsstored in memory 1412.

In addition to the routines, the memory 1012 includes a user inputdetection module 1416, an option presentation control module 1418, atime monitoring module 1420, a control signal generation module 1422, asignaling control module 1424, a device status update module 1426, STBtype and identification information 1428, identification informationcorresponding to other home devices 1430, video recording information1432, user control settings corresponding to home devices 1434, calllogs and voicemail information 1436, device status information 1438, andreminder information 1440.

Routines 1414 include communications routines and/or control routines.User input detection module 1416 is configured to monitor for userinputs and detect a user input, e.g., user selection of a controloption. User selectable control options presented on the control panelscreen may be selected by tapping on the control option in embodimentswhere the control panel display 1402 supports touch screenfunctionality. In other embodiments the selectable control options canbe selected by the user by using scroll keys and selection buttonprovided on the control panel 1400. The user input detection module 1418determines, on selection of a control option presented at the controlpanel, what type of control option has been selected by the user, e.g.,an alarm activation control option, deactivation control option,selection of an item from the menu etc.

The presentation control module 1418, in some embodiments, controlspresentation of prompts, specific messages, user selectable controloptions, menu items, etc., at the control panel, e.g., on the userdisplay screen 1402. In some scenarios the presentation of prompts,messages, control options is in response to detecting a user input,e.g., selection of a first selectable control option by the user, inaccordance with the invention.

The time monitoring module 1420 controls a time counter to record timeelapsed since the receipt of a user input at the control panel. The timemonitoring module 1420 controls start, stop and reset operation of thetime counter in accordance with the methods of the invention. Forexample, the time monitoring module 1420 controls the time counter tostart when user selection of alarm activation control option is detectedand records the time elapsed. When the user again selects a controloption from one or more control options which are presented at thecontrol panel following the selection of alarm activation control optionin accordance with the invention as discussed earlier, e.g., to preservean item from being deleted, the time monitoring module 1420 resets thetime counter and restarts it. The time counter expires when no userinput is detected for a predetermined amount of time, e.g., 60 seconds,from the start of the time counter. Upon expiration of the time counter,the time monitoring module 1420 provides an input signal to thesignaling control module 1424 indicating that alarm should be activated.In response to receiving the input from the time monitoring module 1420the signaling control module 1424 control communication of an alarmactivation control signal from the control panel 1400 to the homecontrol server 118.

Control signal generation module 1422 generates various control signals,e.g., alarm activation/deactivation control signal, video recordinginformation request signal, recording preservation control signal, acontrol signal to record a selected item, control signals forcontrolling various home devices, e.g., STBs, TVs, fans, lights etc.Thus the control signal generation module 1422 generates various controlsignals which are communicated to one or more servers and/or devices inaccordance with the invention. Some such control signals are shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, for example signals such as 205, 205′, 225, 225′, 241,253, 257, 269, 273, 283 shown in FIG. 2 and other similar controlsignals shown in FIG. 3. In various embodiments the control signalgeneration module 1422, among other things, is configured to generate arequest signal, in response to detection of a user selection of a userselectable control option presented to a user on the control panel,video recording information corresponding to a video recording device.

Signaling control module 1424 control when a control signal generated atthe control panel is communicated and what signaling format should beused for communicating a control signal. For example in case of IPcapable set top box embodiment, the control signals can be communicatedover IP, thus in such embodiments the signaling control module 1424ensures that a control signal being sent out over IP is in a suitableformat. When a format conversion and/or encapsulation is needed for acontrol message to be communicated over IP, the signaling control module1424 provides such an encapsulations and/or format conversions. Devicestatus update module 1426 keeps track of the current status of variousdevices at the customer premise and updates the status of each homedevice at the control panel whenever a change in a device's statusoccurs. For example, the device status update module 1426 updates thestatus of home alarm so that it is correctly displayed on the controlpanel display after activation and deactivation.

The STB type and identification information 1428 includes informationregarding each STB device operating at the customer premise which can becontrolled using the control panel 1400. The type information indicates,for each STB, whether the STB is an IP capable set top box or an oldlegacy STB that does not support IP. The device identificationinformation includes an identifier/address corresponding to each STB.The identifier maybe a unique device identifier, a MAC address, or an IPaddress corresponding to the STB device.

The identification information corresponding to home devices 1430includes identification information corresponding to each of the homedevices that can be controlled using the control panel 1400. Theidentification information for each device may include a deviceidentifier, a MAC address, or an IP address corresponding to each of thedevices.

User control settings corresponding to home devices 1432 include defaultuser settings for controlling various home devices. For exampleinformation 1432 includes settings regarding which of the devices theuser wants to be turned off upon activation home alarm. The devices tobe turned OFF may include, e.g., lights, fans, TV, music system, or anyother device that the user may like to add. User control settingscorresponding to home devices 1432 further includes settings regardingwhat devices should be turned ON when alarm deactivation occurs. Theuser may even store the preferred settings regarding light/fan intensityso that these devices operate as per the user's desire when turned ON.

Video recording information 1434 includes recording information receivedfrom a video recording device at the customer premise, e.g., a STB, andincludes programs scheduled to be deleted, suggested upcoming programswhich may be recorded, various programs recorded in user's absence. Incase of the STBs that do not support communication over IP the videorecording information is received by the control panel 1400 via one ormore gateways and servers while in the IP capable STB embodiments thevideo recording information is received over IP. In various embodimentsthe control panel uses the received video recording information 1434 togenerate video recording device control options for presentation to theuser as discussed in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8. In various embodiments thevideo recording device control options are presented to the user inresponse to detecting user selection of a control option at the controlpanel, e.g., such as an alarm activation/deactivation control option,and/or a control option from the main menu to show recordinginformation.

Call logs and voicemail information 1436 includes recent call logsincluding missed, dialed and received calls and any voicemails retrievedby the control panel 1400 for presenting to the user. Device statusinformation 1438 includes a list of home devices and their correspondingoperational status. Reminder information 1440 includes details regardingreminders set by the user. The reminder information is used by thepresentation control module 1418 to present reminders to the user on thecontrol panel 1400. The reminder may be presented both in a visualmessage form displayed on the display 1402 and in an audible messageform.

In some embodiments one or more of the above discussed modules workunder the control of the processor to perform the functions inaccordance with the invention. In some embodiments, one or more of thevarious modules discussed above work in coordination, e.g., withoperations being merged to perform a function, to produce a desiredoutput in accordance with the exemplary methods of the invention.

While shown in the context of recording and voice mail functions, itshould be appreciated that the control panel can be used to control avariety of other devices and allow a user access to a host ofinformation including home temperature logs, power outage logs, E-mail,etc. when returning home or when leaving.

Numerous additional features are possible and supported in variousembodiments.

Set top box functions can be controlled via control panel 120 which cansend via the network gateway 110 and video server gateway 116 signalswhich can be received and processed by the cable network system, e.g.,set top boxes 122 and 122′ at the customer premise where the controlpanel 120 is located.

In at least some embodiments the signals used to control the set topboxes 122, 122′ are transmitted from the network headend to the set topboxes 122, 122′ via the cable network. In other embodiments where theset top boxes can be communicated with via the home network, controlsignals can and are sent from the control panel 120 to the set top boxesvia the home network. Thus, set top boxes 122, 122′ can be controlledfrom the control panel 120 even if the control panel 120 can notdirectly interface with the set top boxes via the home network 133.

Among the set top box functions which can be controlled via the controlpanel 120 are the following: video, voice or data services upon can beenabled/disabled automatically by the control panel based on an Alarmstate, specific time range, a specific event, etc. detected by the homealarm system or sensors and reported to the control panel which can thentrigger, e.g., either alone or under direction of the home controlsever, home owner specified action to be action to be taken. The controlpanel 120 can also be used to disable any/all set top boxes completelywith the disable signals being sent to the set top boxes when suchaction is to be taken in response to a signal from the control panel ordirectly from the control panel. Similarly the control panel can be usedto disable VOD/PPV one or more purchases, e.g., make at set top boxes122 or 122′ via signals sent to the cable network headend from thecontrol panel 120. The control panel can also be used to restricttunable channels on any/all/set tops and/or restrict digital phoneemergency/specific number list dial out services by the control panelsending control signals to the network headend and/or home controlserver 118. The control panel 120 can also be used to activate one ormore applications that restrict, web pages, PC usage, etc. byrestricting access via control signals sent to the network gateway 110and/or sending signals to disable or control devices such as personalcommuters within the home.

The control panel 120 and/or home control server 118 can and in someembodiments is, used to trigger the sending of notifications of eventsin video, voice, or data services based on a home alarm state beingdetected, or in general on the “IH UI” device(s), e.g., by sending anotification message over the home network or via the network gateway tocause the notification to be provided to a customer, e.g., via atelephone, video or E-mail service.

The control panel 120 can be used as an input device which sends acontrol signal to a STB, potentially including DVR capability, to eitherdirectly via the home network or through the cable network system to:control a set to box to tune to a channel specified by a user of thecontrol panel, control a DVR at the customer premise to Start, End,error, conflict, etc. of DVR recording event, enable and/or disableParental Control block at a STB, and/or control the playback of recordedcontent via a set top box.

The home control server 118 and/or control panel 120 can, and in someembodiments do, send signals to the cable network headend to causeinformation relating to events that are detected and/or controlled bythe home control server to be displayed on a display devicecorresponding to a set top box at the customer premise where anotification is to be sent. Notifications of events, e.g., IntelligentHome events on set top boxes, can include one or more notificationsrelating to any of the following: alarms based on rules,arming/disarming of the home alarm system, information about executionof an established rule, notification of a medical event, notification ofa thermostat setting or detected temperature condition and/orinformation relating to light on/off control.

The home control server 118 and/or control panel 120 may trigger variousevents in response to one or more conditions being sensed, e.g.,detection of the presence of a user starts one or more “welcome home”profile actions including one or more of the following: unlock door,turn on lights, turn TV on and set a TV to a predetermined channel,playback voicemails, automatically log a user on to one or more devicesor websites if presence of a keyfob corresponding to the user isdetected, set channel listing and/or blocked channels on set top boxesbased on the identity of the user detected by the control panel or othersensor.

Set top boxes 122, 122′ can be used to send signals to control the homecontrol system/alarm to perform one or more of the following operations:Arm/Disarm the alarm system, retrieve a camera view from the alarmsystem, control thermostats, lights, door locks, and/or the position ofdoor or window coverings or door/window positions.

Methods and apparatus for controlling a home alarm and supportingvarious control functions including STB recording functions aredescribed. In some embodiments, e.g., where the STB is a DOCSIS capabledevice, communications between the control panel and STB is through agateway and/or server which perform protocol conversions and/or otherfunctions which allow the IP based control panel to interact with theSTB via a communications network and other devices located external tothe customer premise, e.g., home, where the control panel and alarm arelocated. In embodiments where the STB is an IP capable device,communication between the control panel and STB is via a home network.In some embodiments upon selecting an alarm activation option a user isprovided an opportunity to select recordings, which are scheduled fordeletion, to be preserved. The user may also be presented withsuggestions for program recordings from which the user may select beforethe alarm is activated. Upon alarm deactivation, a user is presented insome embodiments with a list of recordings made while the user was awayfrom home and missed call log information. Alarm activation anddeactivation may be tied to light, TV and/or other home appliances sothat they are automatically activated/deactivated in response to userselection of an alarm activation or deactivation option.

At least some embodiments are directed to exemplary method ofcontrolling multiple devices located at a customer premise in accordancewith some embodiments comprises: presenting at a control panel used tocontrol a customer premise alarm system, a first user selectable controloption; requesting (e.g., by sending a request signal from the controlpanel), in response to detecting user selection of said first userselectable control option, video recording information corresponding toa video recording device; and presenting, at said control panel, a videorecording device control option to a user of said control panel.

In some embodiments the first user selectable control option is one ofan alarm activation option or an alarm deactivation option.

In some embodiments where the first user selectable control option is analarm activation option, the step of presenting a video recording devicecontrol option includes: presenting said user at least one of: a list ofprograms scheduled to be deleted from which the user can select one ormore programs for preservation, or a list of suggested programs;monitoring to detect user selection of a program from the list ofprograms scheduled to be deleted; and in response to detecting userselection of a program scheduled to be deleted, sending a controlmessage used to indicate that said video recording device shouldpreserve the selected program.

In some embodiments the control message is an IP based messagetransmitted over a home network located at said customer premise whensaid video recording device, e.g., set top box (STB), is an IP capabledevice.

In some embodiments the control message is transmitted to a server whichis coupled to said digital video recording device via a communicationsnetwork that is external to said customer premise when the digital videorecording device, e.g., the STB, is not an IP capable device.

In some embodiments the digital recording device is a set top boxcapable of recording programming content; and the communications networkis one of a cable network or a satellite network.

In various embodiments the method further comprises sending an alarmactivation control signal to a control server to activate said alarm. Insome embodiments the control server is located external to said customerpremise.

In various embodiments the method further comprises sending a lightswitch control signal to the control server to turn off lights in saidcustomer premise. In some embodiments the light control signal to turnoff the lights may be part of a message sent to the control server whichalso includes a part used to instruct the control server to turn on thealarm. In some embodiments the signal may identify the customer premiseand/or controller so the control server can respond with the appropriatecontrol information which is then sent by the controller over the homenetwork to the alarm and light controller.

In some embodiments the alarm activation control signal and the lightcontrol signal are sent, after a predetermined time elapses withoutreceiving user input at the control panel, from the control panelfollowing selection of said alarm activation option. In accordance withone feature of some embodiments, selection of the alarm activationoption starts a countdown timer, e.g., providing the user an opportunityto leave the house before the alarm is active. Each time the userselects a video control or other option, the start of the countdowntimer is reset so the countdown to when the alarm becomes active runsfrom the last input of the user following selection of the activationoption. This gives the user time to make video recording selection andcontrol options without worry of setting off the alarm when leaving thehouse.

An exemplary control panel capable of controlling multiple deviceslocated at a customer premise, comprises: a presentation control moduleconfigured to present a first user selectable control option, said; acontrol signal generation module configured to generate a request, inresponse to detecting user selection of said first user selectablecontrol option, for video recording information corresponding to a videorecording device; and an interface configured to send the request forvideo recording information. In various embodiments the presentationcontrol module is further configured to present, at said control panel,a video recording device control option to a user of said control panel.In some embodiments the first user selectable control option is one ofan alarm activation option or an alarm deactivation option.

In some embodiments the first user selectable control option is an alarmactivation option. In some embodiments the presentation control moduleis further configured to present to said user at least one of: a list ofprograms scheduled to be deleted from which the user can select one ormore programs for preservation, or a list of suggested programs, as partof being configured to present a video recording device control option.In some embodiments the control panel further includes an inputdetection module configured to detect user selection of a program fromthe list of programs scheduled to be deleted. In some embodiments thecontrol signal generation module is further configured to generate, inresponse to said input detection module detecting user selection of saidprogram scheduled to be deleted, a control message instructing that saidvideo recording device should preserve the selected program. In someembodiments the interface is further configured to send said controlmessage instructing that said video recording device should preserve theselected program to said video recording device.

In some embodiments the control message is an IP based messagetransmitted over a home network located at said customer premise whensaid video recording device is an IP capable device. In some embodimentsthe control message is transmitted to a server which is coupled to saidvideo recording device via a communications network that is external tosaid customer premise when said digital video recording device is not anIP capable device.

In some embodiments the recording device is a set top box capable ofrecording programming content; and the communications network is one ofa cable network or a satellite network.

In some embodiments the control signal generation module is furtherconfigured to generate an alarm activation control signal, and theinterface is further configured to send the alarm activation controlsignal to a control server to activate an alarm.

Various features and embodiments are also directed to a system and/orapparatus for performing one or more of the steps described with regardto the exemplary method(s). For example, some features are directed to acontrol panel while other features are directed to gateway apparatusand/or server(s) located at a network headend or other location externalto a customer premise location where the control panel and/or alarm arelocated.

Many of the above described methods or method steps can be implementedusing machine, e.g., computer, executable instructions, such assoftware, included in a non-transitory machine, e.g., computer, readablemedium used to control a machine, e.g., general purpose computer with orwithout additional hardware, to implement all or portions of the abovedescribed methods, e.g., in one or more nodes. The machine readablemedium may be, e.g., a memory device, e.g., RAM, floppy disk, etc.Accordingly, among other things, the present invention is directed to amachine-readable medium including machine executable instructions forcausing a machine, e.g., processor and associated hardware, to performone or more of the steps of the above-described method(s).

Numerous additional embodiments, within the scope of the presentinvention, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art inview of the above description and the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of using an alarm system control panellocated at a customer premise, the method comprising: detecting, at saidalarm system control panel, user selection of a first user selectablecontrol option; requesting, in response to said detecting user selectionof said first user selectable control option, recording informationcorresponding to a recording device; and presenting at said controlpanel, following receipt of said recording information, a recordingdevice control option to a user of said control panel.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said first user selectable control option is displayedon a display screen of said control panel.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein said step of presenting a recording device control optionincludes: presenting said user at least one of: a list of programsscheduled to be deleted from which the user can select one or moreprograms for preservation, or a list of suggested programs which may berecorded; and wherein the method further comprises monitoring to detectuser selection of a program from the list of programs scheduled to bedeleted or a program from the list of suggested programs which may berecorded; and activating an alarm after taking an action based on adetected user selection or after failing to detect a user selection in apredetermined time period.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:detecting user selection of a program scheduled to be deleted; andsending, in response to detecting user selection of a program scheduledto be deleted, a control message used to indicate that said recordingdevice should preserve the selected program.
 5. The method of claim 3,further comprising: detecting user selection of a program from the listof suggested programs which may be recorded; and sending, in response todetecting user selection of a program from the list of suggestedprograms, a control message used to indicate that said recording deviceshould record the selected program.
 6. The method of claim 4, whereinsaid control message is an IP based message transmitted over a homenetwork located at said customer premise when said recording device isan IP capable device.
 7. The method of claim 4, wherein said controlmessage is transmitted to a server which is coupled to said recordingdevice via a communications network that is external to said customerpremise when said recording device is not an IP capable device.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, wherein said recording device is a set top boxcapable of recording programming content; and wherein saidcommunications network is one of a cable network or a satellite network.9. The method of claim 3, wherein said alarm system control panel isused for controlling a home alarm, the method further comprising:sending an alarm activation control signal to a control server toactivate said home alarm.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein saidcontrol server is located external to said customer premise.
 11. Themethod of claim 3, further comprising: sending a light switch controlsignal to a control server to turn off lights in said customer premise.12. The method of claim 11, wherein said light switch control signal issent, after a predetermined time elapses without receiving user input atsaid alarm system control panel, from said alarm system control panelfollowing selection of said first user selectable control option.
 13. Analarm system control panel located at a customer premise, comprising: aninput detection module configured to detect user selection of a firstuser selectable control option; a control signal generation moduleconfigured to generate a request, in response to said input detectionmodule detecting user selection of said first user selectable controloption, for recording information corresponding to a recording device;an interface configured to send said request for recording information;and a presentation control module configured to present, followingreceipt of said recording information at said alarm system controlpanel, a recording device control option to a user of said controlpanel.
 14. The alarm system control panel of claim 13, wherein saidpresentation control module is further configured to present to presentsaid user at least one of: a list of programs scheduled to be deletedfrom which the user can select one or more programs for preservation, ora list of suggested programs which may be recorded; wherein said inputdetection module is further configured to detect user selection of aprogram from the list of programs scheduled to be deleted or a programfrom the list of suggested programs which may be recorded; and whereinsaid interface is further configured to send an alarm activation signalto activate an alarm, said alarm being activated after an action istaken based on a detected user selection or after failing to detect auser selection in a predetermined time period.
 15. The alarm systemcontrol panel of claim 14, wherein said control signal generation moduleis further configured to generate, in response to said input detectionmodule detecting user selection of a program scheduled to be deleted, acontrol message instructing that said recording device should preservethe selected program.
 16. The alarm system control panel of claim 14,wherein said control signal generation module is further configured togenerate, in response to said input detection module detecting userselection of a program from the list of suggested programs which may berecorded, a control message instructing that said recording deviceshould record the selected program.
 17. The alarm system control panelof claim 15, wherein said control message is an IP based messagetransmitted over a home network located at said customer premise whensaid recording device is an IP capable device.
 18. The alarm systemcontrol panel of claim 15, wherein said control message is transmittedto a server which is coupled to said recording device via acommunications network that is external to said customer premise whensaid recording device is not an IP capable device.
 19. The alarm systemcontrol panel of claim 14, wherein said control signal generation moduleis further configured to generate a light switch control signal; andwherein said interface is further configured to send said light switchcontrol signal to a control server to turn off lights in said customerpremise.
 20. The alarm system control panel of claim 19, wherein saidlight switch control signal is sent, after a predetermined time elapseswithout receiving user input at said alarm system control panel, fromsaid alarm system control panel following selection of said first userselectable control option.